Special needs prom event set for inaugural run

There’s no shortage of good causes, but once in a while a really special cause can ignite an entire community. Jessica Darner says Night to Shine is such a cause and area residents have an opportunity to get involved now for the inaugural Southern Oklahoma Night To Shine set for Feb. 10 in the Convention Center.
What is Night to Shine?
“It’s about a prom for special needs individuals. It’s a night not only for our guests to shine, but for churches to shine, for volunteers, to shine, and most importantly, for Christ to shine,” says Darner, volunteer Night To Shine coordinator. “Registration for the event – both prom guests and volunteers opens today.”
The Tim Tebow Foundation launched Night to Shine in 2014 with the vision to work with churches around the country to provide what is lauded as “an incredible prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs.” In two years it has become a worldwide movement.
Last year, 48 states, seven countries, 23 denominations, and 201 host churches participated in Night to Shine. This year Ardmore is joining the growing prom experience event that includes what Darner describes as the “royal treatment – including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, and of course, dancing. The highlight of the night comes when everyone of the Night to Shine guests is crowned king or queen of the prom.”
First Baptist Church is designated as the “host” of the event and Darner says the local Night to Shine is already creating a volunteer buzz.
“We are already seeing amazing community involvement including local business offices, schools, group homes and community outreach groups, who are all passionate about bringing awareness to our special needs community,” she explained.
But all kinds of volunteer opportunities connected to this special event are waiting to be filled.
“We still have plenty of spots for volunteers interested in serving and reaching out to people,” Darner says.
In addition, accepting the open invitation to be on the prom guest list is just a mouse click away.
Here are the links for volunteering and becoming a guest:
– Volunteering information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/337068493305661/
– Guest information: https://www.facebook.com/events/193654487756964/
– Register as a guest or volunteer: Welcome
– Questions: southernoklahomants@yahoo.com.